Abstract

This original study examines women's activism against war in areas as far apart as Sierra Leone, India, Colombia and Palestine. It shows women on different sides of conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and Israel addressing racism and refusing enmity and describes international networks of women opposing US and Western European militarism and the so-called 'war on terror'. These movements, though diverse, are generating an antimilitarist feminism that challenges how war and militarism are understood, both in academic studies and the mainstream anti-war movement. Gender, particularly the form taken by masculinity in a violent sex/gender system, is inseparably linked to economic and ethno-national factors in the perpetuation of war.
'Cynthia Cockburn is one of the most valuable and innovative thinkers/activists/writers helping us all to make sense of women's myriad forms of resistance to war and militarism. She shows how it is they who are crafting fresh thinking about how nationalism, masculinity, imperialism, racism, classism and misogyny each and together fuel militarism and its deadly outcomes. This is a book to open our eyes and move us to action.' Cynthia Enloe 'Cynthia Cockburn is one of the best gender researchers in the world. In this very important book she opens global perspectives on women's politics and the struggle for peace, linking activist experience with up-to-date gender analysis.' Raewyn Connell, University of Sydney '..the book is welcome in that it highlights the positive role of worldwide women-only groups in opposing war, racism and violence against women and children.' Jean Turner, Morning Star 'A vivid, comprehensive, and compelling account of the day-to-day efforts of women peacebuilders and leaves the reader enlightened and enriched.' Gender and Development
Cynthia Cockburn, a feminist researcher and writer, is Visiting Professor in the Department of Sociology at City University and active in the international anti-militarist network Women in Black.